SEI(SEIC) - 2020 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter earnings decreased by 20% year-over-year, with diluted earnings per share at $0.68, down 17% from $0.82 in Q2 2019 [11] - Revenue reported a 2% decrease from Q2 2019 to Q2 2020 [11] - Non-cash asset balances fell by $27.8 billion in Q1 and partially rebounded by $14.8 billion in Q2, resulting in a net decrease of $13 billion by the end of Q2 [12] - Approximately 1.6 million shares of SEI stock were repurchased at an average price of $54.48, totaling $89.5 million in stock repurchases during the quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investments in new business segment incurred a loss of $10.1 million, compared to a loss of $7.5 million in Q2 2019, reflecting increased investments related to the One SEI strategy [18] - LSV contributed $28.3 million in income during Q2, down from $37.8 million in Q2 2019, with assets growing by approximately $10.2 billion [20] - Private banking revenues totaled $107.7 million, down 7.2% from Q2 2019, primarily due to client losses and decreased asset management revenues [59] - Investment manager segment revenues increased by $10.1 million or 9.3% year-over-year to $119.3 million, driven by net new client fundings and existing client expansion [90] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets under management at the end of Q2 were $22.9 billion, a 2% increase from Q2 2019, attributed to market appreciation [66] - The advisor segment reported assets under management of $66.6 billion, down roughly 1% from June 30, 2019 [109] - Institutional segment revenues decreased by 6% year-over-year to $76.5 million, with a quarter-end asset balance of $85.6 billion reflecting a $2.6 billion decrease compared to Q2 2019 [144] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes long-term investment and has a proven business model developed over 50 years, aiming to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis [8][9] - The One SEI strategy aims to leverage existing and new platforms to create business opportunities across the company [14][18] - The company is focused on growth, managing lost business, and expanding market capabilities despite the pandemic's challenges [67] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of COVID-19 on operations but highlighted the successful transition to remote work and the resilience of the workforce [6][16] - The company expects to see a decline in expenses related to the investments in new business segment starting in 2021, while maintaining a focus on growth initiatives [24][76] - Management remains optimistic about the future, indicating that the value segment of the market may begin to outperform, which could benefit the company [29][30] Other Important Information - The company has successfully converted clients to the SEI Wealth Platform in a remote environment, enhancing remote training and implementation capabilities [64] - The total signed but not installed backlog is approximately $76.3 million in net new recurring revenue [65] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the timing or magnitude of expenses in the investments in new business segment - Management expects expenses to start declining in early 2021, with a goal to have the work behind them by the first half of next year [24] Question: Insights on LSV's pipeline and performance - Despite net negative cash flows, LSV signed new business accounts during the quarter and remains disciplined in its investment approach [29] Question: Update on client engagement and digital tools - The company is enhancing digital engagement through on-demand videos and virtual presentations to adapt to the current environment [121] Question: Breakdown of cash flows and performance - Cash flow into managed programs was negative $642 million, while AUA saw positive cash flow of $600 million [128] Question: Competitive environment and market trends - The competitive landscape remains stable, with the company focusing on its strengths and adapting to market changes [85]